Who are we?

The Chaplaincy of Aquitaine first came into being in 1825, when a church community was established in Bordeaux. In south-west France it seems that there have always been people seeking to worship God in the English language, and so for some 185 years we have been able, as the Psalmist puts it, to ‘sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land’. (Ps 137:14) Click here to read more about the history of the Chaplaincy.

We are a diverse bunch! It would be easy to focus on our differences in nationality, age, denominational backgrounds; life experiences; church traditions and convictions. Yet, we believe that there is one person who can unite us...and his name is Jesus Christ. As a result, what we share is far greater than what potentially could keep us apart. Jesus' death on the cross and resurrection stand at the centre of our life as faith communities in this part of France. As followers of Jesus we recognize that he is in us and we are in him.Actually, we are on a 'shared journey: growing in Christ.' We are far from perfect, yet we strive to love, pray and live like Jesus. We are convinced that if we open ourselves to Jesus, by listening to his Word and the Holy Spirit (and act on that!!), we will bear much fruit (John 15). We hope that many will join us on that exciting journey...including you!

Committed to Christian Unity

We enjoy excellent relations with our French Roman Catholic hosts and have formed strong ecumenical links with several different Christian churches in the region. Each year French/English bilingual celebrations are held to mark the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, (18-25 January) and these provide a focus for our commitment to true ecumenism, a shared journey in faith.

Our role is to minister to the spiritual needs of English-speaking people in the Dordogne, Lot-et-Garonne and Gironde. As an Anglican Chaplaincy, part of the Diocese in Europe, we are home to Christians from all denominations. We also welcome those who are exploring questions of faith, or who are simply looking for companionship or support. All are welcome! Currently congregations comprising many different nationalities meet in a dozen or so worship centres in an area the size of Wales. Worship services in English are led by a growing team of clergy, lay readers and congregational worship leaders, and include Holy Communion, Morning Worship, Prayer and Praise, Family Services, Fresh Expressions, and Evensong.

Intercontinental Church Society

ICS: WHO ARE WE? We are an Anglican mission society who proclaim the Christ of the Scriptures to anyone who can speak or understand English, and we work mainly in countries where English is not the first language. Our churches are truly multi-national, and multi-denominational, with sometimes over 30 countries represented in the big cities like Paris, Brussels and The Hague. We work mainly in Europe, N. African rim, the Mediterranean and the Falkland Islands.

ICS: WHAT DO WE DO? We plant churches, put chaplains on summer campsites in France and Italy, and in two Swiss mountain churches, and we also recruit and nominate clergy to serve in these places, often in buildings owned by the Society. We also enable people to find English speaking churches abroad, not just Anglican churches, and via our website, www.ics-uk.org. This is an excellent resource for holidaymakers, business people travelling for their work, and students attending foreign universities. Many of our chaplaincies have strong links to the universities in the cities where they are placed, like Bordeaux in Aquitaine. ICS has been involved in this chaplaincy since 1873, and they have supported us through many a difficult period with prayer and finance.

ICS: WHAT IS MY ROLE? This is your mission agency; help ICS to reach more people both in France and beyond, so be sure to take a copy of the quarterly magazine for information and prayer. You could adopt a particular chaplaincy to support, be in contact via their website, and be part of what they are doing. For the price of a restaurant meal or two, become a member of the society, and make this sum part of your annual Christian giving pattern. Give and watch where it goes! It’s exciting!

Madge Olby Honorary Travelling Secretary for ICS.

We are part of the Diocese in Europe, and are supported by the Intercontinental Church Society.

Annual Theme: 2018 Encouraging Growth

2018 Theme: Encouraging Growth

“.. speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15)

Sisters and brothers in Christ,

As the old year passes, we have an opportunity to reflect on the past year and to look forward to what might lie ahead. There is little doubt that 2017 has been a challenging year in many ways and our theme – “Hold Fast” – reflected our reliance on God as our foundation and anchor in troubled times.

Now, looking forward into 2018, it is a good time to lift our eyes above the difficulties and start the New Year with hope and enthusiasm for what God has in store for us over the next twelve months. We already have some exciting events to look forward to; not least the weekend of 17th -18th March, when Bishop Robert will be in the Chaplaincy to ordain Charlotte as a Priest and for a Confirmation Service at Bertric-Burée.

But above all, I hope and pray that this year will be one in which we can all grow. Grow closer to God, grow closer to one another, grow as disciples of Christ and grow as Christ’s body in SW France.

Our focus, in all things, should be on how we can encourage growth in ourselves, in others and in our communities. But our theme – “Encouraging Growth” – also has a second meaning because growth, when it occurs, is encouraging and gives us the hope and energy that is needed to grow even further.

The logo for the year features sunflowers, which are such a familiar part of our regional landscape, and butterflies that symbolise the freedom and transformation that is so often associated with growth.

Thank you all for that you have done over the last year and for what I am sure you will continue to do in 2018. This is a theme that we can enjoy and with which we can have some fun. However, it is also a theme that challenges each and every one of us to transform our lives to become more Christ-like.

With my very best wishes for a blessed 2018,

Tony's Licensing service

Blessed Licensing service and joyful fellowship

What a lovely day we all had at Bordeaux for the Licensing of our New Chaplain Rev'd Tony Lomas and his wife Ingrid on Saturday 10th September 2016. The interior of the Bordeaux Chapel was simply magnificent, with the sun streaming in behind the beautiful stained glassed windows overlooking the ministers, congregation and the choir.

The procession during the opening hymn saw Bishop Robert Innes and other ministers enter the church to take their places around the altar. It was lovely to see our own Rev'd Charlotte Sullivan deaconing for Bishop Innes and it was sheer joy to hear the Bordeaux Choir singing a setting of Psalm 150.

The Licensing of Rev'd Tony Lomas was very moving, and included the presentation of symbols related to Tony's ministry in Aquitaine, presented by new friends around the Chaplaincy. It was a privilege to take Communion from the Bishop and Tony.

Our congratulations and sincere thanks must go to all at Bordeaux, for all their hard work in organising the event. After the service, we were all treated to the most scrumptious canapés and drinks in the sunny courtyard, which was followed by a bring and share lunch with variety to suit everyone’s taste. Many thanks to all who contributed to the abundant spread.

Well done to everyone at Bordeaux and a warm welcome to Tony as our Chaplain. As Tony and Ingrid start their journey in Aquitaine we sincerely wish them both a very long and happy stay in our Chaplaincy.